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Pirates invade GH

David VerDuin clutched a treasure map in his small hand as he deepened his voice to say, “Arrg, matey.”

Krystle Wagner

Grand Haven

Aug 5, 2014

VerDuin, 2, gave his best pirate impression as he participated in crafts and story time on Monday as the Michigan Pirate Festival kicked off at Loutit District Library.

Throughout the week, scallywags of all ages can participate in pirate festivities such as sparring with Sparrow and friends, dress like a pirate and pirates sailing into West Michigan. The pirate-loving Brethren of the Great Lakes group puts on the events.

VerDuin, whose shirt described him as a “pint-size pirate,” said he likes pirates.

“Because I have a pirate shirt,” he noted.

Larry Halverson, the public relations coordinator for Loutit District Library, said his phone has been ringing off the hook with questions about pirate events. He said residents from 11 states, not including Michigan, participated in the weeklong festivities last year.

Halverson said it’s great seeing children dressed as pirates interacting with the re-enactors.

“It’s for the kid in all of us, too,” he added.

Jackie Sparrow entertained children during the library’s story time and posed for pictures during craft-making. Her wardrobe mirrors Jack Sparrow’s in “Pirates of the Caribbean.” She said she loves seeing children’s costumes and the excitement from the families.

“They’re such a joy to be with,” said Sparrow, whose real name is Donna Grams.

Sparrow offered five tips for becoming a pirate: children need to have the “face,” “Arrg” voice, stance, pirate hat and eye patch, and they have to want to look for treasure.

Read the complete story in today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.

CLICK HERE for the schedule of pirate events at the library this week.

Comments

They will also be invading the Musical Fountain on Saturday at 9:50pm. A fully themed Pirates of the Caribbean show will be playing that night. 637 hours of programming, over 16,000 water and lighting commands, and a debut of some of the new features programmed into the fountain during it's upgrade last winter.